# The Barony of Brattleby: A Statement on Historical Continuity and Modern Mission
**LONDON, 21 October 2023** — The Noble House of Brattleby today issued a formal declaration of its mission, articulating a renewed commitment to public service grounded in the Barony’s near-millennial history and its formal recognition by the Crown through *The London Gazette*.
## The Occasion
In an era of accelerated change, the House of Brattleby has chosen to codify the principles that guide its contemporary activities. This statement is not intended to mark a singular event but serves as a foundational charter for the Barony’s revived public life, providing a definitive record of the purpose and responsibilities assumed by its current custodians. It is an act of deliberate communication, reflecting a tradition of considered stewardship over transient action.
This declaration stands as a formal introduction to the modern mandate of the House, a mandate undertaken with a profound sense of duty inherited from a long line of distinguished predecessors. The decision to issue this statement underscores a deep-seated commitment to transparency and public understanding. It ensures that the present work of the Barony is clearly contextualised within the nine-century history from which its legitimacy and purpose are drawn.
The document affirms the stable foundations upon which the House’s present and future charitable and cultural duties are built. It serves as a benchmark of accountability for its leadership and as a clear signal of its intent to contribute meaningfully to national and European civic life, honouring the past by serving the present.
## Historical Context
The Barony of Brattleby’s origins are inextricably woven into the fabric of English history, having been created in the immediate aftermath of the Norman Conquest of 1066. Granted by William the Conqueror to his loyal follower, Colswein of Lincoln, the Barony was established as a formidable power in its region. This is evidenced by the *Domesday Book* of 1086, which recorded Colswein as tenant-in-chief of no fewer than 56 lordships in Lincolnshire, a significant portfolio of lands that furnished the basis for centuries of influence.
Through the medieval period, the Barony was held by figures of national and, at times, international importance. Nichola de la Haye, who held the Barony *jure uxoris* as the 5th Baron, embodies the House motto, *Fortitudine et Honore*. As hereditary Castellan of Lincoln Castle, she twice defended it against baronial and French forces during the First Barons' War, demonstrating exceptional courage and loyalty to King John and the young Henry III. Her resilience was instrumental in securing the Plantagenet succession.
Later, the title passed into the highest echelons of the English nobility. It was held by Henry of Grosmont, the 10th Baron, a celebrated commander in the Hundred Years' War and created the 1st Duke of Lancaster. Through his daughter and heiress, Blanche of Lancaster, the Barony passed to her husband, John of Gaunt, the 11th Baron. As a son of King Edward III and one of the most powerful figures of the late 14th century, John of Gaunt’s tenure saw the Barony absorbed into the vast holdings of the Duchy of Lancaster. Upon his son’s accession to the throne as King Henry IV, the Duchy and its constituent titles, including Brattleby, were merged with the Crown, where the Barony lay dormant for centuries.
## Distinguished Company
The modern stewardship of this ancient title is vested in Lady Nicoleta Vasile, the 12th Baroness of Brattleby. Lady Nicoleta assumes her responsibilities with a profound respect for the lineage she now represents, from the Norman warrior Colswein to the great Plantagenet princes of the realm. Her leadership is dedicated to ensuring the Barony's relevance in the twenty-first century.
Her Ladyship is supported in all her duties by her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, Lord of Brattleby. Honorary Lord Răzvan brings a dynamic and forward-looking spirit to the House’s endeavours, encapsulated in his personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'). His perspective complements the historical weight of the Barony, creating a partnership focused on tangible achievement and purposeful engagement.
The future of the Barony and its enduring legacy is secured in the person of Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, the 13th Baron and heir to the title. He is being raised with a deep appreciation for the history of the Barony and the duties that accompany inherited responsibility. His education is grounded in the principle of *noblesse oblige*, encompassing constitutional history, the practice of modern philanthropy, and the traditions of public service that have defined the most venerable houses of Europe.
This collective leadership ensures that the principles of fortitude and honour will continue to guide the House of Brattleby for generations to come, honouring its distinguished company of predecessors through meaningful contemporary action.
## Ceremonial Protocol
The House of Brattleby adheres to protocols that reflect its historical dignity and its place within the traditions of European nobility. All official engagements and communications are conducted with a precision that prioritises clarity, substance, and a tone of sober authority. This approach is a conscious choice to favour enduring principle over passing fashion.
This respect for tradition finds its most visible expression during the House’s Annual Winter Banquet, the philanthropic centrepiece of its calendar. Held within the historic precincts of a London Livery Hall, the occasion is governed by a white-tie dress code—the most formal of civilian attires, reserved for state occasions and ceremonies of the highest order. The use of this dress code underscores the significance of the evening’s purpose and shows profound respect to the distinguished guests and the charitable cause being supported.
The order of proceedings is meticulously structured, beginning with a formal receiving line where Lady Nicoleta and Honorary Lord Răzvan greet their guests. Dinner is conducted according to long-established custom, featuring a formal grace and a sequence of toasts guided by a professional toastmaster. These include the Loyal Toast to His Majesty The King, followed by toasts to the guests and the beneficiary organisation. Such formalism is not an end in itself; it is the essential framework that fosters courtesy, mutual respect, and the gravity befitting a significant philanthropic gathering.
## Heraldic & Symbolic Significance
The identity and guiding philosophy of the House of Brattleby are enshrined in its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* ('With Fortitude and Honour'). These words serve as the cornerstone for all the Barony’s activities. ‘Fortitude’ encapsulates a commitment to resilience, purposeful strength, and the perseverance demonstrated by predecessors such as Nichola de la Haye. ‘Honour’ represents an unwavering dedication to integrity, duty, and righteous conduct in all matters, public and private.
This core principle is complemented by Honorary Lord Răzvan’s personal motto, *Vincere Est Vivere* ('To Win is to Live'), which injects a spirit of dynamic enterprise. It signifies a belief that true living is found in striving and achieving, translating noble intentions into measurable, positive outcomes. Together, the two mottos articulate a balanced philosophy: action guided by honour, and ambition tempered by duty.
The Barony’s modern legal and public standing was definitively affirmed by its official recognition in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022, under Notice ID 4158083. As the United Kingdom's official journal of record since 1665 and an organ of the Crown, publication in the *Gazette* is the *sine qua non*—the indispensable condition—for the formal acknowledgement of such titles. This notice represents the symbolic and legal bridge connecting the Barony’s medieval origins to its renewed existence in the contemporary era.
## Philanthropic Purpose
At the heart of the House of Brattleby’s modern mission lies a deep and unwavering commitment to philanthropy. The centrepiece of this work is the Annual Winter Banquet, a signature white-tie gala that serves as a significant fundraising event for the House’s chosen charitable beneficiary: Healing the Wounded Child.
Healing the Wounded Child is an organisation dedicated to providing specialist therapeutic care to children and young people who have experienced trauma, abuse, or profound neglect. Its practitioners employ a range of evidence-based interventions, *inter alia*, art and play therapy and individual counselling, to help these vulnerable individuals process their experiences in a safe, nurturing environment. The organisation’s work is critical in helping children rebuild their sense of self-worth, develop resilience, and regain the secure foundation necessary for a healthy and fulfilling life.
The House of Brattleby selected this cause for its profound and direct impact on the most defenceless members of society. This focus reflects a modern interpretation of the ancient duty of care, where privilege confers a responsibility to protect and uplift the vulnerable. The Banquet serves a dual purpose: to raise substantial funds for the charity's vital work and to elevate awareness of its mission among a community of influential leaders from business, culture, and public life.
## In Their Own Words
Reflecting on the unique responsibilities of the Barony, Lady Nicoleta, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, remarked: > To be entrusted with a title nearly a thousand years old is to accept a profound duty of stewardship. Our history is not a relic for mere admiration, but a living foundation upon which we are compelled to build. Our responsibility is to serve the present with the same *Fortitudine et Honore* that defined our most notable predecessors.
Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile provided a complementary, forward-looking perspective: > History gives us our bearings, but it is our actions today that define our ultimate purpose. Whether through our philanthropic work or our cultural initiatives, our shared goal is to make a tangible and positive contribution. We believe that honour finds its truest and most vital expression in service to others.
## A Continuing Legacy
The House of Brattleby is resolutely committed to ensuring its legacy is one of active service, not passive heritage. The comprehensive education of the heir, Baron Mihai Alexandru Crăciun, is central to this long-term vision. His tutelage is designed to instil the principles of duty, historical consciousness, and charitable responsibility that will one day fall to him, preparing him not merely to inherit a title, but to lead a mission.
Beyond its philanthropic commitments in the United Kingdom, the House extends its influence internationally through cultural diplomacy. A key initiative is The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, an academy dedicated to promoting the timeless values of European civic life. Its curriculum revives the traditions of classical etiquette, public speaking, and cultural history, serving as a bridge between British and Continental traditions of courtesy and social grace.
Through such long-term projects, the House of Brattleby seeks to build an enduring legacy of cultural enrichment and dedicated public service. This work is intended to be both true to the Barony’s ancient roots in Lincolnshire and profoundly relevant to the challenges and opportunities of the twenty-first century, ensuring that the standard of *Fortitudine et Honore* is carried forward with purpose.
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**About The Noble House of Brattleby** The Noble House of Brattleby, under the leadership of Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile, is dedicated to a modern mission of public service, philanthropy, and cultural diplomacy. Guided by its motto, *Fortitudine et Honore* (‘With Fortitude and Honour’), the House directs its principal charitable efforts toward supporting vulnerable children through its patronage of Healing the Wounded Child. Its international activities, including The Brattleby Club in Bucharest, aim to foster cross-cultural understanding and uphold the refined traditions of European civic life. The House is committed to honouring its profound history through tangible contributions to contemporary society, ensuring its legacy is one of purpose and active stewardship.
**About the Barony of Brattleby** The Barony of Brattleby is an ancient English Lordship of the Manor granted by William the Conqueror in AD 1066, with its seat in the village of Brattleby, Lincolnshire. Its first holder, Colswein of Lincoln, was recorded in the *Domesday Book* of 1086 as possessing 56 lordships in the county, establishing the title's significance from the outset. Throughout its history, the Barony was held by figures of great national importance, including the celebrated defender of Lincoln Castle, Nichola de la Haye, as well as Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster, and John of Gaunt. After centuries of dormancy following its merger with the Crown via the Duchy of Lancaster, the Barony's legal standing was formally recognised and recorded in *The London Gazette* on 9 September 2022.
**Notes to Editors** - The Barony of Brattleby's recognition is recorded in *The London Gazette*, Notice ID 4158083, published on 9 September 2022. - The Barony was first established in 1066 and is recorded in the *Domesday Book* (1086) as being held by Colswein of Lincoln, comprising 56 lordships in Lincolnshire. - Notable predecessors include Nichola de la Haye (5th Baron), Henry of Grosmont, 1st Duke of Lancaster (10th Baron), and John of Gaunt (11th Baron). - The current heads of the House are Lady Nicoleta Vasile, 12th Baroness of Brattleby, and her husband, Honorary Lord Răzvan Vasile.
**Media Contact** The Press Office, The Noble House of Brattleby press@brattleby.com